ASTELIA SILVER SHADOW

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: Prefers full sun to partial shade. In very hot regions, partial shade will help prevent leaf scorch, while in cooler climates full sun brings the best silver colour.

• Soil Preferences: Thrives in moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Tolerates sandy, loamy, or light clay soils if drainage is good.

• pH Range: Grows well in slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH 6.0–7.0).

• Moisture Needs: Likes consistently moist soil, especially during dry summer spells, but avoid waterlogging.

• Planting Time: Best planted in spring or early autumn, allowing roots to establish before extreme temperatures.

• Spacing: Allow 75–90 cm between plants to accommodate mature spread.

• Positioning Tips: Ideal for borders, modern garden designs, gravel gardens, or containers. Its shimmering silver foliage adds contrast to darker greens and colourful flowers.

• Coastal Suitability: Well-suited to coastal gardens—tolerates salt-laden winds and exposed positions.

Routine Care, Feeding, and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Keep soil evenly moist in the first two years after planting.

  • Mature plants are moderately drought-tolerant but benefit from deep watering during prolonged dry periods.

• Feeding: In spring, apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer or mulch with compost to support healthy growth and vibrant leaf colour.

• Pruning:

  • Remove old, damaged, or tatty leaves at the base as needed to maintain a neat appearance.

  • No hard pruning is required—Astelia maintains its shape naturally.

• Mulching: Apply a 5 cm layer of organic mulch each spring to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch away from the crown to prevent rot.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally trouble-free and deer-resistant. May occasionally be affected by slugs or snails on young shoots—protect with barriers or wildlife-friendly controls.

• Winter Care: Hardy in mild areas (down to around -5°C). In colder regions, protect crowns with horticultural fleece or move container-grown plants to a sheltered spot.

• Container Growing: Use a high-quality, free-draining compost and water regularly. Repot every 2–3 years or top-dress annually to refresh nutrients.

Foliage Appeal, Garden Uses, and Design Value

• Foliage: Long, arching sword-like leaves with a stunning silvery sheen that shimmers in light, providing year-round interest.

• Flowering: Produces small, insignificant flowers in summer, followed by orange berries in autumn on mature plants—more noticeable on female plants.

• Ornamental Value: Adds architectural structure and texture to planting schemes. Works as a statement plant in minimalist or contemporary gardens.

• Wildlife Benefits: Flowers may attract pollinating insects; berries can appeal to birds.

• Garden Design Uses:

  • Perfect as a specimen plant for dramatic visual impact.

  • Works well in mixed borders with grasses, phormiums, and perennials.

  • Ideal for coastal and Mediterranean-style gardens.

  • Excellent in container plantings on patios or terraces for year-round interest.

• Growth and Size: Forms a clump up to 1–1.2 metres tall and similar spread over time.

• Longevity: Long-lived and low-maintenance once established, with foliage that looks good in all seasons.

• Companion Planting: Pairs beautifully with deep purple heucheras, blue agapanthus, or bronze phormiums for striking contrast.

• Size
  5 lt

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.